A Letter to a Girl

Today’s drawing of Mary Magdalene

I have the honor of having been chosen by this year’s salutatorian to introduce her at graduation. I have never had a conversation with the wonderful Camila, although through the years she has been in some of the programs I lead. I wonder why she chose me for an honor usually reserved for a teacher. But I treasure it and will do my best to introduce her the way she deserves. I am sending her into that new stage of life with some words from Creative Soul (at the end), which seemed just right for the occasion.

Camila gave me a gift when she announced to me that she chose me. She gave me a statue of the Virgin of Guadalupe. May La Guadalupana and Saint Mary Magdalene bless and inspire her in her journey through life!

Dear Camila,

The first time I noticed you was when you participated in a summer program and attended every single session. I saw commitment and consistency.

Then I saw you had excellent grades and knew you had discipline.

And then, I noticed that you were an accomplished photographer and sent you to work with Mr. Helio to create a book, because you demonstrated your creativity and imagination.

Then one day, you were part of our Ecuadorian dance group and I saw you wearing the beautiful indigenous dress from your culture and dancing so gracefully. You graciously embrace your culture and the historical legacy that your roots connect you to.

And do you remember when the boys quit dancing and you and Marjorie dressed as the dancing men with masks, and made an incredible performance? You surprised us all with your commitment to your team and to your cultural heritage.

Little by little, your talent and intelligence made you shine so bright that today, you are a leader, an artist, a dancer, a scholar, and above all, a person who embraces service and commitment in every goal you set for yourself. You are an example of discipline and perseverance, of dedication and curiosity, all the qualities that will support you in the next stage of your life.

I can imagine you discovering all the wisdom that awaits you, and all the beauty that the world wants to offer you. I can imagine you becoming a discoverer of new ways to envision a new and better world. I can imagine you as an accomplisher of dreams. Because you have already demonstrated to yourself that you can achieve anything that you dream of and choose to do.

As you step into the world, take with you all the support and the love that the community of Pan American International High School give you, and remember that we believe in you fully. And also take with you the strength that you have brought to us and now we hold for you.

Take the first step into a life filled with inspiration, hope, purpose, imagination and vision.

Map your own path. Paint your own dreams.

Find the strength to take flight and expand.

Offer the world yourself.